Controller recommendation

[ZigZag]

Hi guys,

I've been playing a lot more SC since the 1.1 update came out (I also updated my GPU and hot damn it looks amazing now) and I was hoping to get some recommendations for what the best controller set up might be. I do have a janky old joystick sitting around but its ancient and was never top of the line anyway so these days... I think the bin is its likely destination. Any recommendations for a good stick, around £120 maximum?

I've experimented with mouse/keyboard (I had more luck turning the gimbal on), an old 360 pad/keyboard but haven't felt totally comfortable with either. I imagine it'll take some getting used to. I think the last space game I played (apart from E:D) with this sort of flight model was the superb I-War and its sequel so perhaps its just a matter of perseverance and practise.

Sorry if this has been covered off already, I had a skim through previous pages and didn't see anything.

Also, for the sake of me not spamming the forum, I sent a org request on the RSI site, hopefully whoever manages that will read this!

[TeaLeaf]

Also, for the sake of me not spamming the forum, I sent a org request on the RSI site, hopefully whoever manages that will read this!

Sorted, welcome to the Fleet!   Smilo, can you sort the man his forum badge please?

Re controllers, I can only giver limited feedback as I use a cheap & cheerful Thrustmaster T.16000M at the moment.   I'm waiting for the announcement as to who will be SC's hardware partner and will look at options at that point.   I am quite interested in a HOTAS (with or without pedals) setup, particularly if I can get some dual use out fo it playing FSX (or FSE, the Steam Edition).

[Obsydian]

The Saitek X52 (£99.99 from PC World) is good (I have one).
X52 Pro (£149.99 from PC World) is supposed to be better.
Saitek X55 Rhino (was £129.99 on Amazon, but is now £132.22) is their latest offering.

[TeaLeaf]

....and all available from the dMw shop:

Click here to shop with dMw

[BrotherTobious]

I have the x-55 but need to really have a real go at setting it up.  But the stick adn throttle are a great set.  They do take up a lot of desk space though, and if you have small hands you will struggle with it.

[ZigZag]

Wowzas, that X55 is a sexy bit of kit. Plus manual flip switches. Mmm-mmm. Analogue controls.... I shall have to do some research into these. Now my biggest dilemma is: do I buy a HOTAS setup or another ship for SC? Damn...

Anyhoo, thanks for all the suggestions, its much appreciated.

[Obsydian]

Get the HOTAS - you can always buy another ship once you've gotten used to flying.

[Sneakytiger]

if your gonna be spending £100+ i'd go for the x55 or x52 pro, both are excellent Hotas joysticks .

[smilodon]

Smilo, can you sort the man his forum badge please?

Done. As for using joysticks and throttles please do consider using these as it's going to make killing you all a hell of a lot easier for us mouse and keyboard users :boxing:

[Obsydian]

Done. As for using joysticks and throttles please do consider using these as it's going to make killing you all a hell of a lot easier for us mouse and keyboard users :boxing:

Oooooh!

well, following gimbal-gate, the m+k players can choose to use gimbals but their guns will have less punch than the fixed guns that will, no doubt, be the preferred fit for HOTAS users. I thinks it's going to be a close run thing

[ZigZag]

Uh oh, I seem to have accidentally started something. So, I shall play it like Switzland and not get involved. I will, however, look after your gold.
Having checked out a load of reviews, I shall be placing an order for one those HOTAS set ups in the next few days - I'll be sure to do it through the dMw shop.

[Gorion]

For starters, you should consider buying a cheap one(Which according to reviews is pretty damned good).  Not everyone likes HOTAS, and I did read/watch a stupid amount of reviews.

There's a brand new one on the forums for sale.

Stay clear of the X52 series.  The old ones are good.  The new ones are a steaming pile, and require warranty invalidating mods to "fix" them.  According to a considerable number of people, since MadCatz took over Saitek, the quality has been rubbish and there's around 50% chance of getting a dud.

[ZigZag]

All good points - especially about the X52. I believe the original was the black one which looks pretty good but the most recent one is the silver affair which looks a bit... ehhh. If its anything like the crummy MadCatz pad I once got for the original Xbox then I'm not surprised about the build quality.

[smilodon]

I'm sure there will always be subtle differences but if there's general parity between controller types on launch I'll be happy. I'm hopeful one type will not be noticeably stronger than another.

[Sneakytiger]

Me and my brother both have x52 pro's and have had no problems whatsoever.